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Cascade police describe early benefits of new camera system, note gaps and partners
Summary
Police staff told the council the downtown camera system has been useful in some investigations but coverage gaps remain; the department also uses private business footage and plans further targeting of camera locations.
City and police staff updated the council on a camera system installed in the last six months, saying the system has been helpful on occasion but that coverage remains concentrated downtown.
A staff member told the council that most cameras are on the east-side downtown area and that department personnel can pull footage to squad cars when needed; the department does not actively monitor cameras continuously. An incident over the previous weekend revealed a cluster of nonfunctional or "fake" cameras on a building that prompted the department to rely on neighboring business camera footage in one theft investigation.
Council and staff discussed expanding camera points to capture vehicles entering from the exit near the stop sign on Highway 136, both directions on 136 downtown, and out toward Gary Owen Road. Staff said some local businesses—Onward Bank and the BP station—have high-quality footage the department has used in past investigations and that cooperation with property owners remains an important resource.
No formal policy changes or funding approvals were made at the meeting; council discussion focused on operational priorities for future camera placement.
Ending
Council moved on to other reports after the update.
